“The Maiden's Grave”

Description

"What is that crucifix gleaming so whitely, Here in the desert standing so brave? Let us go softly, let us go lightly, To read its inscription, 'The Maiden's Grave.'" No one, save the cross that marks the grave, knows who she was or how she died

Notes

Reportedly based on an incident of 1904, when the Central Pacific railroad was realigning its tracks. This involved moving one grave of a woman whose history was not know. - RBW

References

  1. Burt, pp. 135-136, "(The Maiden's Grave)" (1 text)
  2. BI, Burt135

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1909 (Deseret News)
Keywords: death burial nonballad
Found in: US